Therese Kim - Staff Writer
Remember everyone’s favorite Disney movie Mulan? Her sidekicks were the tiny but feisty dragon Mushu and the cricket? This cartoon that has been so loved, it is now getting a remake-with real actors that will be live-action! Many might recognize the actress who plays Mulan, Yifei Lui, who has been in several Chinese shows and movies. It is hard to believe, but the original Disney Mulan was released way back in 1998. Now, 22 years later, fans are waiting for the PG-13 rated remake.
People are surprised about the new movie’s rating because it is a Disney directed movie, and especially because Mulan is considered as one of the “princesses.” Critics rated the film PG-13 because of its “sequences of violence,” as Gamestop reported.
Freshman Cadence Cheng believes, “usually PG-13 movies are better than PG. They (Disney) will attract more audiences that way.”
Excited fans have been talking about their hopes and predictions. It was announced that Mulan’s love interest, Li Shang will not be present in the remake, and his character will be portrayed differently. According to producer Jason Reed, “We split Li Shang into two characters. One became Commander Tung (Donnie Yen) who serves as her surrogate father and mentor in the course of the movie. The other is Honghui (Yoson An) who is [Mulan’s] equal in the squad.”
Also, it was confirmed that our favorite dragon, Mushu, will not be in the new Mulan; however, we can anticipate that Mulan’s astonishing moves will make up for the missing characters. Hollywood Reporter said that Yifei Lui, who plays Mulan, had to take a 90 minute physical assessment. While other auditioners could not endure it, Lui had “never complained once, never said, 'I can't.' She went to her limits," director Niki Caro said.
A new character also appeared in the trailer, which was a witch who helps the Hun Army. Actress Li Gong plays Xiang Lang, which is the name of the witch. It was also confirmed that Christina Aguilera will sing one of the well-known songs from the 1998 cartoon, “Reflection.”
Going into the originality of the story about Mulan, the tale of a courageous woman taking her father’s place in the army has actually existed for several centuries. Coming from the Northern and Southern Chinese dynasties, a poem called The Ballad of Mulan first told of Mulan’s story. We can all agree that Mulan is one of our favorite princesses.
Freshman Imara Parvez said, “Mulan is one of the best stories about how she goes undercover as a guy and shows how women can do anything that men can do. I don’t really know if (the new Mulan) it's the same story-line, but I think it’ll still give the same impact.”
Renown mushu champion Donnie Yen plays Commander Tung in the movie, as well as famous actor and martial artist Jet Li.
In an interview at the red carpet premiere of the movie on March 9, actress Yifei Lui said, “I think that the main message is to look within yourself, no matter what happens, just don’t give up, and knowing what your dream is and go for it.” Her inspiring words, the outstanding international cast, and intriguing trailer creates more eagerness about the movie! Check out Disney’s new live-action Mulan soon!